Max Verstappen compares himself to Fernando Alonso: “He doesn’t have a car to win championship, but he never gives up”

Max Verstappen is riding high on his third victory of the season in Monza. The Red Bull champion managed to keep the McLaren duo at bay as he went on to clinch a win at the Italian Grand Prix.

He has now compared himself to none other than the most senior F1 driver competing this season, Aston Martin’s Fernando Alonso. Interestingly, Verstappen pointed out a common trait that makes them similar in one important way.

Max Verstappen reveals why he admires Fernando Alonso

Just a few weeks ago, Max Verstappen had complained about his struggles with the Red Bull car, which were becoming a limitation for the reigning F1 champion. Similarly, Fernando Alonso is also finding it difficult to showcase his talent amid the challenges he faces with Aston Martin.Verstappen told Spanish newspaper Mundo Deportivo at Monza, “In that sense, I suppose I’m the same as Fernando Alonso. He doesn’t have a car to win the championship with, but he never gives up. He’s always a fighter, and that’s something I admire about him. He’s 44 years old and still very motivated, very driven by what he does. He remains passionate even when things aren’t going well. That, to me, shows that he’s a real fighter.

I hope I can do the same for a long time to come. Always wanting more, always trying to get the best out of yourself.”

Verstappen added that fighting for a World Championship against Alonso would be fantastic. “I have a lot of respect for Fernando because he is a great champion. I would love it, but right now it’s very difficult to know what F1 will be like in 2026,” he said.Alonso has hinted that Adrian Newey is working on the Aston Martin 2026 F1 car, which could turn the game around next season.

Max Verstappen on his win at Monza

Max Verstappen recorded the fastest lap in F1 history during qualifying on Saturday, the day before he lifted the winner’s trophy at the Italian Grand Prix in Monza.Speaking after the high-octane race, Verstappen said, “A great day for us. Lap 1 was a bit unlucky but after that we were flying. The car was really enjoyable, I could manage the pace and we pitted at the right time. Just fantastic execution by everyone. Step by step, race by race, but this was for us an unbelievable weekend.”Also Read: Kelly Piquet joins Max Verstappen’s Italian Grand Prix triumph, shares inside look at celebration dinnerThe next race is the Azerbaijan Grand Prix in Baku, scheduled from September 19–21.